U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a government agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security umbrella. With in excess of 58,000 on staff, the CBP employs more law enforcement officers than any other Homeland Security agency. The mission of the CBP is to keep terrorists and illegal aliens, along with smuggled weapons, illegal drugs and contraband, out of the United States. The CBP employs border patrol agents, port officers, and air and marine interdiction agents to prevent illegal individuals or contraband from crossing our borders. In addition, agriculture specialists are on staff with CBP to prevent diseased animals and plants infected with pests from entering the U.S. Revenue employees with CBP collect duties and taxes, and appraise and classify all imported items.

1. Go to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website and select "about CBP careers" to determine if any positions are available. Begin by checking under each job title for details on current vacancies. For instance, beneath the border patrol agent heading, it might read, "Border Patrol is not currently accepting applications," if no positions are available. However, if vacancies exist in a division, such as import specialists, it would say, "Are you interested in a job working with international shippers, ship captains or domestic and foreign manufacturers?" Every job title with the agency is listed. When applications are being accepted for a position of interest, select the link for more details.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the careers page to click the link to the USA Jobs website, labeled "Look for CBP job openings" for a listing of all positions and details on submitting an application.

3. Enter search criteria on the U.S. Homeland Security job search page at the USA Jobs website. Under the "what" heading, type the position you are seeking. For tips on appropriate keywords to use in a job search, click the question mark symbol next to the provided space. Once a job title or keyword has been chosen, enter a location preference in the "where" space. To do a broad search for any jobs available, leave the spaces blank and click the "search jobs" tab. A directory of available federal positions will appear, including jobs with the U.S. Border Patrol.

4. Select the job title for any U.S. Border Patrol position of interest to view more details on position location, salary, qualifications and closing date. Click the "apply online" option to submit an application.

5. Create a user name and password, establish a USA Jobs account and create an online resume. Provide employment history, military service and education details.

6. Follow the test registration prompt on the USA Jobs website if applying for a border patrol, CBP officer or agriculture specialist position. Select a test site location then watch for a testing date email notice from CBP.

7. Utilize the CBP online pre-employment exam study guide focusing on logical reasoning, arithmetic and writing skills assessments that will be on the test, as well as Spanish language proficiency if applying for a border patrol officer position. Allow five hours to complete the test.

8. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship and submit to a background investigation and polygraph test when requested by the U.S. Border Patrol. Show evidence of residing in the U.S., working overseas for the U.S. government or serving in the military during the previous three years. Submit to a drug test if seeking a U.S. Border Patrol job that will involve the officer or specialist administering drug tests on others.

9. Prepare for the two required physical fitness tests that must be passed before employment by exercising on a regular basis and utilizing the online CBP fitness study guide with tips on passing the physical exams. Practice for the step test if applying for a border patrol agent position, stepping 120 times within a minute, on and off a 14-inch high bench. Run 1.5 miles in under 15 minutes and 220 yards in less than 46 seconds. Perform 25 situps within a minute, as well as 20 pushups in the same time frame.

Things Needed

Proof of U.S. citizenship

Resume with complete job history and education information

Military service records

Personal references

Warning

Providing false information or concealing pertinent facts on a job application with the U.S. Border Patrol may lead to a maximum $10,000 fine and as many as five years behind bars.

About the Author

Kelli Peacock Dunn has been a news editor and photographer since 1998, working at a weekly newspaper in Northwest Florida. Her articles have also appeared in "Panama City Living" magazine and "The Lookout."